As the conflict in Ukraine escalates, advertisements have begun appearing on the screens of internet users in Kazakhstan offering more than $5,000 paid immediately for joining the Russian army. The ads, which Reuters has seen and appear to specifically target Kazakh citizens, feature the flags of Russia and Kazakhstan along with the slogan "Shoulder to Shoulder." The advertisement indicates a one-time payment of 495,000 rubles (approximately $5,300) for those who sign a contract with the Russian army, along with a monthly salary of at least 190,000 rubles (around $2,000) and additional undisclosed benefits.
Clicking on the advertisement opens a window to a website that provides potential recruits an opportunity to join the Russian army in the Sakhalin region in the far east of Russia. The website states that it is affiliated with the Human Capital Development Agency in the Sakhalin region, an organization established by the local government. The operators of the agency's call center stated that they "cannot comment on the status of the advertisement." Joining military conflicts abroad for pay is against Kazakhstan's law.
Kazakhstan, a neighbor of Russia and one of the former Soviet republics, is home to over three million citizens of Russian descent. Astana is considered one of Moscow’s closest traditional allies; however, its government has not supported what Moscow calls its "special military operation" in Ukraine and is advocating for peace.
